Kyoto Sushi, Friday Fest for Local Diners

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😀

Our last night in Kyoto coincided with a Friday, so we decided to join the raucous party of local diners by getting in front of a sushi restaurant with an excellent reputation and lining up early.

We arrived at 5:30 and queued for about half an hour before entering the store.

The sushi restaurant was really hot and I was told it was full of locals who were partying with their three or five friends after work. The store was packed and it was like entering a food carnival.

Seven Red Shrimp and Egg Yolk Sushi: The egg in the center was like a red sun, and the combination of shrimp and egg yolk seemed like a mismatch, but it instantly made me understand why Japanese-style loose eggs are so fascinating.

The sweetness of the shrimp and the smoothness of the egg yolk complemented each other in a way that made me crave for more.

Wasabi Soybeans: The first time I tried wasabi flavored soybeans, it was fresh, fun and full of flavor. Taking a bite was like being lit up with a small firework of taste buds.

Stew of the Day: this dish is spicy enough to drive your brain nerves, but not pungent. The beef is braised to a tender, flavorful consistency, and the aroma reverberates through your mouth for an unparalleled sense of satisfaction.

Grilled Fish of the Day: pan-seared salmon is unmemorable but has just the right amount of charred flavor. Every bite is a classic Japanese flavor, simple but extraordinary.

A variety of small sushi: ordinary but impressive for its freshness. No earth-shattering innovations, but full of freshness.

Scallion Sprout Sushi: This is a fairly new take on sushi, with the freshness of the thinly sliced scallions. The toppings are a bit like chopped seaweed, bringing a hint of otherworldly flavor when chewed.

Sea urchin sushi: no special surprises, but fresh and crisp, giving the pure flavor of the ocean.

Tempura Fish Nuggets: the fish is crispy, with large chunks of fish that have a pure texture when you bite into them. Deep fried just right, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it's as if you can hear the sound of the waves when you take a bite.

Squid Shavings Tempura: This tempura dish reminds me of images of old Greek men enjoying fried squid shavings at sunset accompanied by aniseed wine, and the flavors are intoxicating.

Dried Squid Tempura: This dish exceeded my expectations! I never thought that shredded squid could be made into tempura, deep-fried and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the flavor of the sea interpreted to the fullest. Dalian people are especially fond of this flavor, and every bite is a treat.

Deep Fried Fish Skin: Deep fried to a crisp and charred perfection, it's an appetizer.

Sake: Spicy enough to be a bit of a head-turner, it intoxicated me in the middle of a Kyoto night.

Beer: Although I can't drink the subtle difference between the beers, I can feel that Japanese beer has a very dense foam, like a solid piece of cheesecake.

Whiskey: not quite sure of the name, but it tasted slightly like a plum wine, refreshing and a little sweet, as if it had been made especially for the evening.

💡

The meal was not only a perfect ending to the trip to Japan, but also an ultimate feast for the taste buds. From the crunchiness of tempura to the freshness of sushi, each dish brought to life the unique charm of Japanese cuisine.

Most importantly, it was not just a meal, but a celebration of food and joy. The night in Kyoto culminated in a moment that left deep memories and made us look forward to the wonderful surprises of our next trip.

The true meaning of traveling may be to discover those heartwarming moments at every table.

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